If they work and they're not paid under-the-table, then they pay taxes.
There's a lot of wasted spending in border security. Billions annually. INS alone wastes millions annually on duplicate processes and file shifting and putting cases on hold for years for no reason that has any basis in law. When you apply for citizenship, you’re interviewed at the same INS office 3 times. These interviews take place 3 to 4 years apart and are the same interview – all the same questions, you’re asked for the same documents (birth certs and etc), you’re given the same paperwork at the end of it and you get a very similar letter some weeks later. Why?
Over a billion dollars is wasted on detention costs. As bad, the vast majority of border enforcement money is spent on the areas between ports of entry, yet the number of people trying to cross in those areas is at its lowest since 1972. While “we” have been obsessed with beefing up security between the official ports of entry, the entry points themselves go unprotected despite the fact that about 90% of illegal drug smuggling is done through ports of entry, and a mere 10% through the areas between. Border Patrol spending should reflect current security needs. Focus on effective programs and trash the rest. That would save billions that could be used to overhaul and streamline immigration services.
It used to be that when you applied for citizenship, you were enrolled in classes that taught you how to do stuff like hail a cab, use public transportation, recognize road signs, etc. You learned history and how gov't works...all kinds of stuff; basically how to be a good citizen. My grandfather loved those classes and was so freaking proud when he finished. I'd like to see that come back.